The Car Connection BMW X5 Overview

The BMW X5 is one of the most successful luxury SUVs. Today, it's a capable vehicle in just about any terrain, taking on such rivals as the Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne, and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

With the 2014 redesign of the X5, BMW has topped off its mainstay utility vehicle with more refinement and comfort to the already capable package. Previous models' handling and power strengths carried over, as did the level of luxury, though, like other BMW's of late, some driver feedback has been dulled.

Engine options include 6- and 8-cylinder gas engines, and a new plug-in hybrid with a turbocharged 4-cylinder. A turbodiesel returns to the lineup in 2017.

Most X5 models come standard with all-wheel drive, though BMW has recognized the need for less-expensive rear-wheel drive models in recent years.

The new BMW X5

Built in BMW's U.S. factory in Greer, South Carolina, the X5 is considered by the automaker to be a mid-size "sports activity vehicle."

BMW didn't change the X5's smart silhouette much for this generation. Sculpting down the sides balances out the big front air intakes. The cabin features a horizontal design trimmed in black leatherette or neutral leathers.

The least-expensive X5 is powered by BMW's tried-and-true turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6, making 300 horsepower in both the rear-drive sDrive35i and all-wheel-drive xDrive35i. A diesel is again available in the xDrive35d. There's still a V-8 option in the xDrive50i, which is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter engine making 445 hp. The new plug-in hybrid's engine and electric motor team to produce 308 hp, and the motor can power the vehicle alone for up to 13 miles. All models have electric power steering, which is very light and offers only hints of the feedback the older models supplied. A smooth 8-speed automatic improves efficiency, but also includes a more aggressive "Sport" mode for those who want it. There's also an available adaptive suspension setup, as well as air springs for the rear that are best for towing applications.

The X5 can seat up to seven. The front seats aren't BMW's best efforts, but the second-row seat can now be split 40/20/40 for more flexibility, and each section is adjustable individually for rake. The optional third-row seats have an "easy entry" function but little space. The cargo hold can be opened from the keyfob or the driver's seat; the lower piece drops like a truck tailgate, while the upper glass powers open like a minivan hatch.

The X5 is long on advanced safety technology, including a lane-departure warning system and a pedestrian collision-avoidance system with automatic braking. A Traffic Jam Assistant maintains following distance and keeps the vehicle at the center of its lane by providing steering input. The NHTSA gave the X5 a five-star rating overall for safety and it received top "Good" ratings in the categories it has been rated in by the IIHS. The agency also gave a "Superior" score to the X5 for front crash prevention, when optionally equipped.

There was only one notable change for 2016: the addition of a plug-in hybrid. Prices for the 2016 BMW X5 range from about $55,000 to more than $80,000 when trimmed out with Dakota leather, Bang & Olufsen audio, a rear-seat entertainment system, and more.

For 2017, BMW gave the X5 a touchscreen infotainment system to complement the sometimes-finicky iDrive puck.

BMW also offers the high-performance X5 M. Powered by an upgraded version of the twin-turbo 4.4-liter massaged by M, the X5 M once again brings a torque-vectoring rear differential (which is otherwise unavailable elsewhere in the X5 lineup), making it a real track monster and plenty of fun in snowy weather. It receives a more aggressive exterior, of course. Also available is the X6 M for those who just don't like all of that utility in the back of the X5.

BMW X5 history

The BMW X5 has been around for a decade and a half now. When it was developed, BMW also owned Land Rover, and because of this, the first-generation X5 shared much of its design with that legendary brand’s off-roaders, as well as the BMW 5-Series sedan. The original X5 also sported a range of engines, including a 3.0-liter inline-6 and a number of 4.4-liter to 4.8-liter V-8 engines paired with 5- or 6-speed automatic transmissions.

For the second generation, BMW designed a new platform, with a new range of engines—including a diesel and a hybrid—and a new high-performance X5 M, while a new 6-speed automatic transmission that was used in all models.

Model names for the BMW X5 lineup were changed to reflect more iterations of the 'ute. With the second generation, the new names adopted a different format: the X5 xDrive30i, for example, denoted the standard all-wheel drive (xDrive) and a 3.0-liter inline-6. In addition to that model, BMW offered a 3.0-liter turbodiesel as the X5 xDrive35d, a 4.8-liter V-8 engine in the X5 xDrive48i, and a 555-hp, twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine in the new X5 M. In 2011, the standard models received engine upgrades and name changes: the 6-cylinder was fitted with a turbo and the xDrive35i name, while the V-8 model received a pair of turbos and the xDrive50i badge.

All X5s of this generation featured the same basic five-seat interior layout, with leather upholstery, BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, advanced stability and traction electronics, plus a wide range of optional upgrades. The X5 M offered extreme performance with a big price tag to match—base prices hit $85,500—delivering near-sports car performance with near-supercar power. The X5 xDrive35d was one of the few diesel luxury SUVs on the market, and it scored with 265 hp and a 26-mpg EPA highway rating.

For 2012, BMW didn’t make any major changes to the X5 range, aside from minor appearance tweaks. Changes in the 2013 BMW X5 included a temporary end to the diesel model, some cosmetic updates, and a new M Performance Package, available on X5 xDrive35i and xDrive50i (with M Sport Package) models. The new M Performance upgrade added to the X5's sporty edge through engine tuning, with 15 horsepower and 30 pound-feet of torque gained in the 6-cylinder model, and another 40 hp and 30 lb-ft of torque for the V-8 X5.

Problems within 1week

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Built our second BMW X5. I had a 2009 before. As my 13 year old stated "Round 2 of trouble." She was right, within 1,week the Instrument Board stopped working a new Instrument board will have to be installed.

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October 29, 2016

For 2016 BMW X5

X5 M50D - phenomenal sports car disguised as an SUV, with great comfort and fuel economy to boot

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I purchased this new six days ago. The X5 M50D has a three stage turbocharger, equivilant to three turbochargers. The 0-62mph (0-100kph) time is 5.3 seconds. Mine is fitted with a few tasty options, including...
I purchased this new six days ago.

The X5 M50D has a three stage turbocharger, equivilant to three turbochargers. The 0-62mph (0-100kph) time is 5.3 seconds.

Mine is fitted with a few tasty options, including:

- Adaptive Dynamic Suspension
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Comfort Seats

I can hardly believe how fast this can go around corners. My previous car was a BMW i8, which has the lowest centre of gravity of any BMW, and the X5 seems (anecdotally) to be able to take corners at about the same pace.

The straight line performance is also phenomenal for a car that weighs over 2200kg.

The car is extremely comfortable. The headrests are like pillows. The seats are adjustable in every imagineable way. Porsche would probably charge $6000 for their equivalent seats (the top version of a slew of options), but in this X5 they were a no cost option and in lesser X5s, they would be half the price Porsche would demand.

Even though they are called "comfort" not "sport" seats, they have pretty sizeable side bolsters which are electrically adjustable, so I would sugggest that no matter your leaning (sport/comfort) you get these - all bases are covered.

This top spec engine is not available in the USA (to my knowledge). But it is, in Europe and where I live (New Zealand). If you want petrol V8 performance but fuel bills of half the size or less, you want the M50D.

As for refinement, well I am not a big diesel fan -for this issue - but I will say I am quite happy with the refinement of this particular engine.

So, if you like what you've read and can access this model, do yourself a massive favour and BUY IT TODAY!! + More »

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May 22, 2016

2016 BMW X5 RWD 4-Door sDrive35i

We have traditionally only purchased Mercedes cars but the X5 beats the GLE/ML and won our business.

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The BMW X5 35i S-drive has proven performance of the BMW Twin Power 3.0L six which beats the Mercedes 3.5L in power and fuel economy. The overall updated style of the X5 trumps the older ML and mildly updated...
The BMW X5 35i S-drive has proven performance of the BMW Twin Power 3.0L six which beats the Mercedes 3.5L in power and fuel economy. The overall updated style of the X5 trumps the older ML and mildly updated GLE for a more modern, luxurious and prestigious SUV. Bmw also easily steals the performance styling win with the option of the 315/35-20 and 274/40-20 tire wheel packages. Mercedes has some work to do to match the current X5. + More »